Ethnic Design Collection Reto Zehnder

This is one of several types of basketry milk containers made and used by the Borana, a pastoral people who raise cattle in southern Ethiopia. The vegetal fibres used in their fabrication are woven very tightly and covered with animal skin. The lid has nice cowrie decoration.

This is one of several types of basketry milk containers made and used by the Borana, a pastoral people who raise cattle in southern Ethiopia. The vegetal fibers used in their fabrication are woven very tightly, they are light and extremely durable, and serve as the ideal container for liquids. 

This is a unique milk container, ghorfa, from the Borana tribe collected in situ during my stay with the Borana This waterproof container is made from woven natural fiber, decorated with cowries and inside there is a black encrusted patina. Borana milk jug used not only by Borana people but also by Oromo, Somali and Gabra. The Gorfa is used to storefresh or curdled milk and making butter.

This is a unique milk container, ghorfa, from the Borana tribe. The milk that these containers hold is a symbol of abundance. The container and the milk thus symbolize the ideal combination of abundance and fertility. The gorfa is made from woven vegetal fibres and  inside there is an black encrusted patina which makes this milk jug waterproof. It is used to store frsh or curdeled milk.